Melons market in the Philippines

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh melons in the Philippines from 2018 to 2023 was primarily driven by domestic production, with minimal import and export activity. After a period of relative stability from 2018 to 2021, production declined in 2022 before surging to 8 627 tons in 2023.

Early improvements in melon cultivation, such as techno-demos for hybrid seeds by Allied Botanical Corporation in 2017 and research highlighting watermelon profitability in 2019, laid the groundwork for enhanced yields. The COVID-19 pandemic from 2020 onward prompted Filipino consumers to incorporate more fresh fruits into their diets, boosting demand and accelerating the adoption of quick commerce and online sales channels for produce.

Despite a dip in 2022, the market rebounded strongly in 2023, with production reaching its highest point in the period. This growth reflects the cumulative impact of agricultural innovations and sustained consumer interest, with niche products like square watermelons signaling evolving preferences.

Production melons in the Philippines

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of melons, 2017-2020

World map of production of melons, 2017-2020

In 2019, the Philippines produced 7 760 tons of melons, marking the lowest output for the period. Production then increased by 2.6% in 2020, reaching 7 960 tons. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 1.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in the Philippines in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports melons from the Philippines

Exports in kind, kg

The data shows irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. Exports reached their highest point in 2018 at 38 032 kg, then fell sharply to their lowest in 2019 at 1 677 kg—a dramatic 23-fold swing. In 2020, export volume rebounded to 13 172 kg, representing a substantial increase of 685.4% from the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 95.6%, while the most significant increase occurred in 2018, surging by 1 167.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the Philippines in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, Hong Kong accounted for 88.0% of the Philippines' total melon exports by volume, with the remaining exports distributed among various smaller trading partners.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from the Philippines in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, $ US

Market behavior during these years was marked by volatility. Exports peaked in 2018 at 66 036 US dollars, then plummeted to their lowest in 2019 at 1 386 US dollars—a 48-fold difference. In 2020, exports recovered to 12 000 US dollars, showing a sharp increase of 765.8% compared to 2019. The largest decline was in 2019 at 97.9%, while the most significant rise occurred in 2018, jumping by 1 508.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the Philippines in value, 2017-2020, $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Hong Kong was the primary buyer of melons from the Philippines, representing 86.2% of total export value, with the remainder spread across numerous other countries.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from the Philippines in value, 2017-2020

Imports melons to the Philippines

Imports in kind, kg

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the Philippines in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, China was the sole source of melon imports to the Philippines, consistently making up 100.0% of total import volume.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to the Philippines in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, $ US

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the Philippines in value, 2017-2020, $ US

During the 2017–2020 period, China dominated the Philippines' melon import market in value terms, accounting for 100.0% of total imports.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to the Philippines in value, 2017-2020